350 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Government Camp, Oregon feature a mix of established Forest Service sites and dispersed camping areas on Mount Hood. Trillium Lake Campground provides tent and RV sites with stunning views of Mount Hood, while Kiwanis Road Free Camping offers basic dispersed options without facilities. Camp Creek and Little Crater Lake campgrounds provide additional developed sites with toilet facilities. Several campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins at Mt. Hood Village Resort, which has full hookups for RVs.
Road conditions and seasonal closures impact camping accessibility throughout the Mount Hood region. Many campgrounds operate from late May through early October, with limited winter camping options. "This is one of my favorite places to camp near Mount Hood. The road leading into the campgrounds is primitive and just challenging enough to keep most folks away. You will want a motorcycle or 4WD vehicle to get here," noted one visitor about Kinzel Lake. Elevation ranges from approximately 3,000 to 4,500 feet, resulting in cool overnight temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is sparse or non-existent at most sites, particularly at higher elevations and more remote locations. Campgrounds near highways may experience road noise, while those on forest roads offer more solitude but require vehicles with higher clearance.
Proximity to lakes and mountain views represents a primary draw for campers in the Government Camp area. Waterfront sites at Trillium Lake and Lost Lake provide popular swimming and paddling opportunities with scenic Mount Hood backdrops. A camper described Trillium Lake as offering "a classic camping spot with an amazing view of Mt. Hood across Trillium Lake. The campground is nestled deep in old growth forest with spacious sites and running water." Many campgrounds connect to hiking trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Crowds concentrate at developed sites during summer weekends, particularly at locations with lake access. Sites with more privacy can be found along forest roads, though these generally lack amenities beyond fire rings. Winter camping options remain limited to designated sno-parks or lower-elevation areas that maintain year-round access.
"Just learned you can rent a canoe in Government Camp and they’ll drop it at the lake for you. It is kind of expensive- you have to really want that canoe ride."
"Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."
from $30 - $120 / night
Check Availability"I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."
"Lost Lake Resort & Campground is somewhere we go at least once each summer. It has that nostalgic summer-camp vibe. A little more spendy than your typical Oregon campsite, but serene and private."
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Up at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping."
"There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."
"It's at a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp"
"It was convenient to Government Camp and Portland, and the view was great. I imagine on a nice weekend- this could be very busy and full."
"The campground pros were its proximity to Clear Lake, the huge campsites, and it was not very crowded. We absolutely loved clear lake and it was great for paddleboarding,swimming, and fishing."
"I highly recommend this campground as it is beautiful and tucked back off 26 far enough that you don't hear the highway."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby. Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive. The downside is that it's not level. "
"Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood! Well, not much view the first smokey day, but it cleared up nicely after a wind shift the following day. "
"Campground Review Midway between Welches and Government Camp, I picked Camp Creek as a my Mt."
"Hood/Government Camp. Spots are decent sized, including some doubles (to share with friends), and lots of trees and greenery between spots."
from $26 - $52 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here as Trillium Lake was full."
"Small lake. Good for swimming and kayaking. Watching osprey. I walked around the lake, although there really isn't a trail. ' Wonderful views of Mt Hood."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Intimate & quiet little campground close to Portland. Little crater lake is beautiful and a quick walk from the campsite. The PCT is a minute or two walk from the lake."
"Little Crater Lake Campground is a small loop with varied sites. We stayed in #7, which is nestled in the interior of the loop and provides a lot of space and moderate privacy."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"The campsite itself is near a beautiful lake, Timothy Lake. There are plenty of campsites that are on the edge of the lake, which is one of my favorite parts about this campground."
"Great spot on Timothy lake to hang out, drink a beer, and not have to deal with the crowds at a day use area. The walk-in sites are a little close together, but that’s expected at most campgrounds."
from $24 - $32 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis is a very peaceful campground. We are in spot 14 and have direct access to the creek following behind. Spot 13 and 14 are set off from the others down a hill so it’s very private. Campground was pretty empty on a Wednesday.
LegendLarge open parking lot with many skiing/hiking trails. You need a snow park permit in the winter months otherwise free USFS land. Paved area and gravel area. Usually empty except winter.
LegendWe found a large turnout with a fire pit a little past the marker on Ash Lake Road. The only permanent appearing RVs we saw were on private land before you get to National Forest land and there were no gunshots, shouting, or disturbance as other reviewers encountered. The road becomes gravel 1 and 1/2 lane moderate to steep grade for a short while, with some potholes. Could be problematic with heavy rain, ice, snow, if you are underpowered or pulling a large trailer. Our Ford Transit van made it just fine. Decent T-Mobile coverage.
GuideThe campsites are very spread out and along multiple of the lakes. Theres only about 25 of them and theres a pit toilet near each grouping. Stayed at #19 and it had a drive in area with a loop at the end which was very nice. Nice lake view and far from other sites. It’s $15 a night but you also need the NW forest pass too. Still plenty cold in June but not too many other people. The road up was rough and full of big holes.
RangerI enjoyed my stay here for two nights! I was here on Father’s Day and was surprised that it was not fully booked, and it was easy to find myself a secluded spot on paradise creek or wind river where I felt like I was the only one around for miles even with the campground a few steps away. I did feel like during a warm day, up on the hill at 31 it was really warm all night, almost uncomfortably so. But down towards the creek, spots seemed way cooler. I also felt like there wasn’t a ton of trees separating my spot from nearby spots and the shape of hill, voices echoed a ton. I wish I picked a spot on the side where the creek is, much more wooded. I got bit up like crazy here, tons of mosquitos. I’d revisit though, because it’s in a gorgeous area of the Gifford Pinchot NF, nearby countless waterfalls and great rockhounding!
TravelerThere are 2-3 spots depending on how friendly you are. Was able to pull into a flat spot at the back firepit. Really windy and pretty cold. First time I’ve used my heater all summer
GuideI was here immediately after a holiday weekend and had an entire loop of the campground to myself. It was so beautiful and peaceful, with nothing but the sounds of the river and birds.
GuideSo peaceful. Had a beautiful spot with a short trail to the creek. Has some very clean pit toilets through the camp ground. Its a horse camp, to be mindful of the horses. Lots of sites for non horse trailers as well
TravelerThis was a nice place to stop and spend the day, the area it’s beautiful, and though there was some noise from the Kiwanis camp, it was understandable during the day, however they were driving their loud golf carts up and down the road until almost midnight, and that wasn’t so nice. As far as the camping goes, it all looked like it was just pull off to the side of the road type camping, with no way to get your vehicle into a more private area.
Camping sites near Government Camp, Oregon range in elevation from 3,000 to 4,500 feet across Mount Hood National Forest. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer nights averaging 45-50°F. Several campgrounds remain accessible into early fall, with some roads requiring higher clearance vehicles during shoulder seasons.
Fishing opportunities: Trillium Lake Campground offers productive fishing in calm waters. "Really pretty campground with open campsites. The lake has great fishing and there are lots of nice mountain activities very close to the campground," notes Ashley C.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Lost Lake Resort provides equipment rentals for water activities. "The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," explains ChiAnn M., making it suitable for beginners.
Hiking trails: Clear Lake Campground connects to several walking paths. A camper named Corinna B. shares: "About $20/site, including some amazing spots with water views. There's a boat dock/area, but when we arrived there in August the 'lake' was more of a river, which was perfect for all the splashing and playing that we wanted to do."
Quiet settings: Many campers value the solitude at Kiwanis Road Free Camping. "Great spot for free car camping! On the way to the Kiwanis campground, lots of spots right off the road. Right by the creek so you can't hear campsite neighbors even if they're close by," says Kara H.
Natural water features: The unusual geological formation at Little Crater Lake draws visitors. "It is absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of places to go hiking around it. Timothy lake is located about 5 miles away," mentions Natasha R.
Private spaces: Many Government Camp area campgrounds offer secluded sites. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," shares Katie B. about Lost Lake Resort.
Road access varies: Some campgrounds require planning for vehicle access. At Camp Creek Campground, "Since the site is nearly 100 years old, it's off limits for large RVs. I personally wouldn't bring in much larger than a long van, BUT, there are a few sites that will accommodate an 18ish foot trailer and its short tow vehicle," advises c S.
Seasonal conditions: Campground water levels fluctuate throughout the year. "When we went in early May, there were several places to park and camp in the large, open parking lot. The views of Mt Hood from this Sno Park are stunning!" reports Brendan R. about White River West Sno-Park.
Amenities limitations: Most Government Camp camping sites have basic facilities. "This is a primitive campground, no restroom or showers, just one vault toilet and there is one water pump if you need to wash dishes," explains Lady L. about Camp Creek.
Water activities: Frog Lake provides shallow water ideal for children. "Millions of tadpoles in the water and twice as many baby frogs on the north side of the lake by the swamp. Warm water, not deep at all. Beautiful view of mt hood," describes Connor J.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping sites near Government Camp offer nature observation opportunities. "I have not camped here but we go up and spend the day often. The facilities are clean and well kept. The best part about this place is the tiny frogs you catch. The ground literally moves with them!" explains Ashley M. about Frog Lake.
Safety considerations: Lakes in the area vary in depth and temperature. "Trillium Lake is easier and faster to get to than many of the other Mt. Hood Lakes, and with one of the best views of the mountain. There is also snow-shoeing here in the winter, but don't underestimate the sloped road you have to get down (and back-up) to get to the lake in the first place!" cautions Raphaela H.
Hookup availability: Mt Hood Village Resort provides full services for RVs. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," reports Steve R.
Leveling challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby. Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive. The downside is that it's not level. Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still un-level," warns Garrett B. about White River West Sno-Park.
Base camp options: Some RVers prefer established campgrounds for extended stays. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition. The campground provides easy access to a number of nearby activities," notes Jack B. about Mt Hood Village Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping facilities are available at Government Camp campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Government Camp offer a range of facilities to accommodate different camping styles. Still Creek Campground provides large sites perfect for families, with central access to Government Camp, Trillium Lake, and Timberline Lodge. The campground has basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though you may hear some highway noise. For more developed options, Mt Hood Village Resort features full RV hookups, tent sites, group camping areas, electricity/water sites, and cabin/yurt accommodations. Most RV sites can accommodate at least one vehicle and a tent. Many campgrounds in the area provide toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with some offering water access. Facilities vary by season, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall.
Where can I find camping near Government Camp, Oregon?
Government Camp offers diverse camping options within a short drive. Trillium Lake Campground is a popular choice just minutes from town with scenic lake views and opportunities for canoeing. For those seeking free, more secluded camping, Kiwanis Road Free Camping offers spots just 3 minutes from Little Zig Zag Falls and close to Government Camp. Camp Creek serves as an excellent base for Mount Hood hiking, located midway between Welches and Government Camp with proximity to Mirror Lake trails. Additional options include Pioneer Bridle Trail Camp for larger groups and Kinzel Lake Campground for those with 4WD vehicles seeking more remote experiences.
Is lodging available near Government Camp for non-campers?
Non-campers have several lodging options near Government Camp. Spring Drive RV Campground offers full hookup sites bookable through Recreation.gov, providing a comfortable alternative to tent camping. For those wanting more substantial accommodations, the Government Camp area has cabins and yurts available at Lost Lake Resort And Campground. Timberline Lodge, a historic mountain lodge on Mount Hood, provides hotel-style accommodations year-round just a short drive from Government Camp. The area also features vacation rentals, condos, and chalets catering to skiers and mountain visitors. These non-camping options are especially valuable during shoulder seasons when weather can be unpredictable or for visitors who want to enjoy Mount Hood's recreational opportunities with more amenities than traditional camping provides.
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